Boy, do I hear you. They are expensive excursions (although worth it) and I must admit I can only budget one of those such trips for each visit. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to cruise Alaska 2 years in a row and did 1 each time.
Nancy

We booked through the cruiseline excursions as soon as we got on the ship. It didnt fill up too fast. Take the one that has the train and the gold mining camp. The camp is very interesting. They put on a skit and then you get to pan for gold.